Although auto transmission vehicles cost more and use up more fuel (by about 10% more) than their stick-shift counterparts, they perform better because they take shifting from gear to gear out of human hands.
What you use up in fuel you will save in terms of the extra fuel you waste from human error in shifting. What's more, because it automates driving somewhat, all types of drivers can make use of it from beginners to advanced drivers. It makes your car easier to handle and smoother when shifting gears.
You can also go back to manual driving on an automatic by shifting to the 2nd or 3rd gear option if you like. 4WD vehicles work best with auto transmission (along with power steering) because manual gearboxes only drain their power.
Preventing Transmission Failure with Proper Maintenance
Even though an automatic gearbox makes shifting easier it's not self-maintaining. You need to know how to maintain it yourself in order to keep it from breaking down and to keep you from spending thousands of dollars from fixing it care of a transmission repair specialist.
- Check Your Transmission Fluid Periodically: As you put your car on idle, open your hood and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it off, insert it again, wait, and then pull it out to get a reading. If the level is low, there might be a leak. The fluid should be clear or bright red while smelling sweet. If it smells foul or looks murky have it checked out by your repair specialist.
- Use the Right Transmission Fluid Type: Consult your user manual to check if you're using the right type of transmission fluid. Follow its advice on which transmission fluid you should use so that you won't end up buying and using the exact wrong one. If you're not sure which fluid to go for, ask a professional about it instead. They'll recommend to you a good fluid product that's perfect for your model of car.
- Have Your Engine's Cooling System Serviced: Your engine is prevented from overheating with the assistance of the engine cooling system. It also makes sure that the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cool as well. Your transmission might fail first due to hot fluid going through it before the engine itself overheats, so always check the state of your fluid and your cooling system together.
- Regularly Get Your Transmission Flushed: A professional should be responsible for changing the fluid of your car. You can do it yourself but you have to be careful. You need to consult the owner's manual of your car to know more about it. You also need to get your vehicle's transmission flushed at least once a year to keep it healthy. It might need flushing sooner than later depending on how much driving you do on your car and what your vehicle's operating temperature is on average.